Science in progress: ForestValue final seminar and ForestValue2 mid-term seminar

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On 14. October 2025, the ForestValue2 community gathered for a dynamic and inspiring event Science in progress that marked a significant milestone in the programme’s journey. Both ForestValue eight final projects and five ForestValue2 mid-term projects were presented.

With a diverse group of researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals, the session offered a comprehensive look into cutting-edge research projects supported under the ForestValue2 initiative. Spotlight was on innovation in wood technologies and forestry research.

Opening Remarks: Setting the Tone for Collaboration

The event was opened by Mika Kallio from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Finland (MMM), who warmly welcomed participants and emphasized the vital role ForestValue2 plays in supporting sustainable innovation in the forest-based sector across Europe.

This was followed by Laura Liepiņa from the European Commission (DG AGRI), who provided valuable context on the EU’s strategic priorities for sustainable forestry and bioeconomy, highlighting how the projects under ForestValue2 align with broader European Green Deal goals.

The event was moderated by Professor Dr. Baiba Rivža, Secretary General and Full Member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, former Minister of Education and Science of Latvia, and laureate of the 2024 Cabinet of Ministers Award.

Session I: Pioneering Innovations in Wood Technologies

The first session focused on “Innovative research in the field of wood technologies”, featuring four groundbreaking projects that aim to extend the life, functionality, and sustainability of wood-based materials and products:

TiREX – Presented by Katarzyna Ostapska (SINTEF, NO), this project is developing a smart framework for reassessing reclaimed timber using non-destructive testing and automated data processing to maximize reuse potential.
WoodLCC – Villu Kukk (Tallinn University of Technology, EE) introduced innovative life-cycle costing methods designed to improve service life planning in wood construction.
BarkBuild – Grzegorz Kowaluk (Warsaw University of Life Sciences, PL) highlighted research on utilizing tree bark as a natural, renewable source for wood protection materials in building applications.
WoodForHealth – Vesa VIRTANEN (University of Oulu, FI) promoted safe and extended use of wood products in health buildings through development of antimicrobial surfaces, hygiene concepts, and guidelines
LEARNFORCLIMATE – Metodi Sotirov (University of Freiburg, DE) introduced a project aimed at improving policy learning under conditions of climate-related stress.

Session II: Pushing Boundaries in Forestry Research

After a short coffee break, the second session shifted focus to “Innovative research in the field of forestry,” where seven projects presented new strategies for ensuring forest sustainability, resilience, and multifunctionality in the face of climate change and growing societal demands:

CRESTIMB – Martina Sciomenta (University of L’Aquila, IT) shared insights into increasing the service life of modern timber building systems through novel construction approaches.
Assess4EST – Rosario Garcia-Gil (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE) discussed forest breeding and management strategies that balance biodiversity and productivity.
SOSFOR – Matteo Vizzarri (University of Milan, IT) presented a conceptual framework to identify sustainable operating spaces for European forests.
SustMultBiomass – Tord Snäll (SLU, SE) showcased methods for enhancing the sustainable and multifunctional use of forest biomass.
IFORPLAN – Andrej Bončina (University of Ljubljana, SI) explored innovative tools for spatial forest planning to support resilient, multifunctional forest management.
ForestMap – Debora Carreño (KATAM, SE) presented the global expansion of a Nordic success story in forest mapping using next-generation technology.
FORECO – Dr. Konstantin Gregor (Technical University of Munich, DE) discussed how forest recovery from biotic and abiotic threats can support more risk-resilient management.

Closing Reflections

The event concluded with a short wrap-up session that reinforced the importance of knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration in tackling the complex challenges facing Europe’s forest-based sectors.

With such a promising range of innovative research underway, ForestValue2 continues to demonstrate the power of coordinated transnational funding in driving forward sustainable solutions for forests, wood, and people.